Weekly Freight Recap: 15/08/24
Aug 15, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market saw continued rate declines this week, driven by limited demand and cautious sentiment across the Atlantic. The market showed a split between mineral and grain routes. While there was some support for early September South American arrivals, the overall outlook remains weak, with further rate corrections expected.
Pacific: In the Pacific, demand showed modest improvement, particularly for Japan-bound trips. However, ongoing pressure from a weak coal market, especially in China, kept rates under strain. Despite some fresh support, uncertainty persists, leading to continued rate adjustments.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market remained subdued with limited fresh activity. In the US Gulf, earlier gains have stalled, and the South Atlantic stayed stable with little change in rates. The Continent-Mediterranean routes lacked momentum, and overall market sentiment remained cautious.
Pacific: The Pacific Supramax market showed slight stabilization, with increased inquiries and firmer rate discussions. However, overall activity was still limited, and the balance between supply and demand resulted in minimal rate movement.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market showed some stability, particularly in the Continent-Mediterranean region, where rates improved slightly despite limited activity. In the South Atlantic, the market may have found a floor, but overall activity remained low.
Pacific: The Pacific Handysize market remained quiet, with little new information or significant rate changes. The market stayed balanced, with demand and supply in equilibrium, leading to minimal movement.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
6-10/1 /25 AGRI
Jan 13, 2025
Monday: Grain markets rebounded from Friday's losses, bolstered by a weaker dollar and pre-USDA report positioning. CBOT-denominated prices gained, though MATIF milling wheat remained an outlier. U.S. weekly export inspections showed mixed results, with wheat exceeding expectations while corn and soybeans remained within range. In Argentina, persistent hot and dry conditions continued to pose risks, while Brazil benefited from favorable weather. Kansas winter wheat conditions declined, adding concerns over the domestic crop.
Freight
Freight Recap:
09/01/25
Dec 12, 2024
The Atlantic market began with initial strength due to limited New Year tonnage, but rates flattened as more vessels entered the region. In the south, oversupply led to discounted rates, and forward fixing remained cautious. Spot vessels maintained premiums, but lack of fresh demand in the north and a long tonnage list saw rates ease, favoring charterers. EC South America faced additional pressure from long ballast lists and sub-index equivalent fixtures for early February.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
9-13/12 /24 AGRI
Dec 16, 2024
Monday: US wheat futures began the week on a positive note but struggled to maintain gains as MATIF wheat remained unresponsive. Corn saw slight upward movement, while soybeans softened ahead of Tuesday’s USDA report. The Russian wheat market showed resilience, with FOB prices for 12.5% protein wheat climbing to $228/ton, up $2 from the previous week. Concerns about the poor condition of Russian winter grains were tempered by IKAR analysts suggesting the reality may be less dire. Meanwhile, China’s Politburo announced aggressive economic stimulus measures, signaling a shift in fiscal and monetary policies, but these had minimal impact on grains. U.S. export inspections highlighted weak performance in wheat, with only 227k tons inspected, significantly below the previous week’s 299k tons.
Freight
Freight Recap:
19/12/24
Dec 12, 2024
Panamax transatlantic activity saw a modest boost as charterers sought coverage ahead of the holiday season, but an oversupply of tonnage in the East Mediterranean kept pressure on rates. Fronthaul routes remained lackluster due to weak demand from the Black Sea and continued ballasting toward Gibraltar, leaving the market constrained.
